Day 2 in British Columbia, Canada

Excuse me, did you just say "Eh?" It seems like the old saying goes, 'when in Rome' ... well, folks really do say, "Eh" here.

Yesterday we crossed the Canadian border. Admittedly, I was rather excited, it represnted uncharted territory! Pete, with his suspicious looks once again, created question with law enforcement. While we presented passports and all other documentation to the man in the tiny shack beneath the massive red maple leaf flag of Canada, it became evident that Pete was a man of interest .... "Sir, please park your vehicle and trailer in the pull through and go inside to Window A." Huh?? OK, in we go. There were documents to verify, questions about EVERY place we have lived since birth ... and oh, by the way, are you carrying over $10,000.00 in cash with you? Of course, all this took over an hour and the final question Pete had to answer was this. "Mr. Johnson, can you tell us WHY you were finger printed in California in 1984?" Pete stood there, and calmly responded, "Well, my late wife had a day care business in our home back then and we had to be licensed, which required finger prints." By this time, the supervisor and three other border patrol officers are now, 'standing down' ... and we got the big stamp of approval and were handed our papers. What a welcome to Canada ... nobody said a word. It was rather strange, kind of a letdown. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it was pretty nonchalant. But Pete's suspicious nature did give us a good laugh for several hours as I teased him about being such a rebel and all.

There are approximately 500 wildfires burning out of control from dry lightning strikes in British Columbia right now. The route we are on is part of the famous Cariboo Trail which is where the majority of the fires are burning. For over 250 miles we had down on the deck smoke, the rest of our time in BC the smoke is lingering high enough to open up some of the vistas, which I might add are spectacular!

Most of today's travels have been through countryside that is dotted with cattle ranches, horse properties and rising hills that flow into valleys speckled with wild flowers that are yellow and purple. The Frazer River is massive, sometimes we are traveling right alongside the fast moving water and then climb several hundred feet to the highest tops and look down from jagged peaks. There were a few times today as we crossed a valley floor that I could imagine Hoss and Little Joe Cartwright riding through the meadow on horseback. This part of BC is called the High Country.

Last night we camped in Cache Creek and met our friendly neighbors. The campground host was a pleasant woman who was very helpful and accommodating. She was a bright spot in our day. Tonight we are setting up camp north of Prince George. Dawson Creek will be our first stop tomorrow. We plan on spending a little bit of time meandering there as it is the official start of the Alaska Hiway. It was during World War II in 1942 that the Army Corp of Engineers began this incredible feat. It should prove to be an interesting history lesson.

By the way, Starbuck's is amazing. We popped in, bought a hot green tea and have had the pleasure of sitting here in the air conditioning writing of our tales. Thank you Starbucks! When the Internet allows, we will drop you another note. Until then, know that we are loving this great adventure. To be our ages with this kind of opportunity is a blessing we appreciate in so many ways.

It's been a wonderful day, eh?